Stargirl is the latest show featuring DC comics characters in the CW network’s Arrowverse. So far, the show has primarily been about Courtney Whitmore/Stargirl (Brec Bassinger) and her step-father Pat/S.T.R.I.P.E (Luke WIlson). Sure, there have been other characters, like her mom (Amy Adams) but thus far they haven’t been give that much to do. Things are starting to change with this episode (though sadly Amy Adams is still sidelined).
My main critique of this show so far has been the dichotomy between the excellent super hero story and the fairly unremarkable high school drama. I was hoping the writers would merge the two and in episode 3, they took a big step in that direction. Remember that morose girl at the outcast table at lunch (Yvette Monreal’s Yolanda Montez)? Did you wonder what her deal is? Well, this episode fills in her backstory and focuses on Courtney’s efforts to recruit/befriend her. While it isn’t the most original thing to ever happen to a character, there is a decent lesson that can be learned from it.
Between long looks at the bad guys (this episode introduces a particularly creepy new baddie) and Courtney’s team approach, this show is less about Stargirl and more about forming a new Justice Society. That is a very good thing, as it isn’t clear Stargirl is able to carry the load by herself.
Additional strengths of this episode include returning to giving Stargirl’s staff some personality, some neat costume special effects, and a gut punch stinger at the end of the episode that was set up nicely.
If you like the Arrowverse shows, you will likely enjoy Stargirl. One advantage of using mostly unknown superheroes is there is little barrier to entry for viewers and the writers are free to shape their world as the like. This allows them to have some genuine surprises. With that said, there are plenty of deep cut references for DC comics fans.
This episode will debut on Monday, June 8th
Check back next week for my thoughts on the 5th episode of the series.
Did you enjoy the first 4 episodes? Feel free to chat with me on Twitter or leave a comment below!
